The United States men’s basketball team is one step closer to gold after securing the number one seed in the knockout round with a 103-86 victory over Puerto Rico.
Fueled by hot three-point shooting, Puerto Rico built an early eight-point lead in the first quarter. But Team USA surged back with a dominant 39-16 second quarter, establishing a double-digit lead they never relinquished.
Jayson Tatum, starting for the second consecutive game, delivered his best performance of the Olympic tournament so far. He matched his scoring output from the South Sudan game within the first five minutes, finishing with a double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals (tied for the game-high). Tatum was comfortable within the offense all afternoon, not forcing anything and getting others involved.
As for the other Celtics, Derrick White added two points, two assists, one rebound, one steal, and one block. The All-Defensive guard has a block in each of Team USA’s three games.
Jrue Holiday did not play due to an ankle sprain sustained during Wednesday’s win over South Sudan after landing on a teammate’s foot. The injury is not expected to keep the two-time NBA champion out of elimination play.
Team USA’s offense was fueled by a balanced scoring attack, with six players, including Tatum, finishing in double figures. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards led the charge with 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers’ All-Star center Joel Embiid returned to the starting lineup after being a healthy scratch against South Sudan and delivered his best performance of the tournament. Embiid finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
For Puerto Rico, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado led with 18 points, while former Celtics guard Tremont Waters added eight points.
Team USA will now enjoy two days off before the knockout stage begins on Tuesday, when they will take on Brazil.